Occupation, employer: Reader as business manager for construction with Laborers Local 465/499.

Education: Monroe High School, Army

Why I'm running for office:

"I am running for a position on council to be an advocate to enhance business development in the city. I would specifically focus on business development of the east side of Monroe and try to enhance employment of the residents.

"Declining revenues and loss of property values within the city are the greastest challenges facing this community. I intend to address this by being a watchful guardian of the city's finances and to create an atmosphere of cooperation between the administration, departments and the business community."

David C. Roberts

Age, date and place of birth: 67; Feb. 10, 1944, Monroe.

Address: 706 Broadway

Spouse: Barbara (Pipis) Roberts

Children: Janet, richard, Timothy, Eric

Occupation, employer: Berlin Township, including 26 years as superintendent of water and wastewater.

"Having attended council meetings for the last five years, which some of my opponents' have not, I feel it gives me a good perspective on what challenges the city has been facing.

"I have been a supporter of most of what this mayor and the previous mayor and council have been able to accomplish.

"I would continue to maintain a balanced budget, without raising taxes; continue to work on restructuring and consolidating city departments; build inter-government partnerships; prioritize city services to ensure better use of taxpayer dollars, foster an economic climate that will attract and retain business, and, ultimately jobs."

PRECINCT 4

Jeremy J. Molenda

Age, date and place of birth: 34; March 2, 1977, Monroe

Address: 651 N. Macomb St.

Spouse: Rebecca

Children: 2

Employer: University of Michigan parking and transportation services

Education: Monroe High School; bachelor's degree, University of Michigan; juris doctor candidate, University of Toledo

Why I'm running for office:

"In my two terms on council, I have offered a responsible and forward-thinking approach to government. Not all of our decisions have been easy or politically convenient and some will take years to bear fruit. But, we have delivered a balanced budget for the last four years, reducing general fund expenditures by $3 million, while increasing our infrastructure spending and maintaining a high level of city services.

"We have also charted a course for prosperity, by insulating the city from future obligations, and committing resources toward community and economic development. It would be an honor to continue these efforts."

Matt Vititoe

Age, date, and place of birth: 40; Sept. 8, 1971, Columbus, Ohio.

Address: 114 Glendale Ct.

Children: Raine, Christian, and Ava.

Occupation, employer: Attorney and mediator, law office of Matt Vititoe

Education: Diploma, Airport High School; B.A., Communication and Political Science, Eastern Michigan University, Juris Doctor, Wayne State University Law School

Why I'm running for office:

"Due to the direction our city has taken, I decided to run for office. Many think the mayor and city manager have attempted to bypass the city charter to push their own agendas, and many believe that certain council members are either complicit in this attempt or afraid to do anything about it.

"I am independent, unafraid, and have no one-sided agenda. As a mediator, I collaborate with people who hold conflicting viewpoints and help them generate creative, workable solutions. When elected, I will do the same thing on city council. Together, we can do great things in Monroe."

Education: Marygrove College, Detroit; additional credits at Monroe County Community College

Why I am running for office:

"At this time, I feel that the loss of revenue is our most pressing issue, along with work force reduction.

"The city needs to contract with a property managment company to oversee foreclosures in our city. The management company would be paid by the mortgage holders, not the city.

"Lastly, I feel we should develop a Beautification Block Club program, which will award a block for the best 'curb appeal.' This will create a sense of prode and renewal within the block and throughout the city."

James R. Kansier

Age, date & place of birth: 60; June 14, 1951, Monroe.

Address: 624 Godfroy Ave.

Spouse: Debby

Children: Christopher, Jeffrey & Kacie

Occupation, employer: Retired

Education: Monroe Catholic Central High School and Monroe County Community College

Why I am running for office:

"As a 27-year retired employee of the fire department, 13 plus of which were spent as the fire marshal, gave me the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the internal operations of the city, as well as the opportunity to develop a working relationship and knowledge of the operations with our neighboring communities.

"My background, I believe, will be an invaluable asset in the coordinating of services, and possible sharing of major equipment with our neighbors as one measure of helping to reduce the cosy of operations to the city. I look forward to working as a team on other issues."

"To continue with the policies and directions to right size the government of the City of Monroe to keep rising costs in check by getting more from less employees and continuing to provide high quality services residents have come to expect.

"Also to further infrastructure improvements by consolidating water and sewer repairs at the time of street repairs to keep costs down. I believe in and practice transparent government and open communication with my constituents, whether by phone, email or in person.

"I welcome questions and comments regarding any City of Monroe issues."

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